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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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The Indianapolis Colts are clearly heading into a rebuild.
After firing general manager Chris Ballard and falling to 2-5 on the season, the team has started moving some of its biggest names. On Tuesday, they traded All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the defending champion Seahawks, and hours later, dealt star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the 49ers.
With the NFL trade deadline approaching on Nov. 10, it's raised questions about whether All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor could be next. He's reportedly attracted interest from several contenders, and with Indianapolis building for the future, now could be the time to bring back some more valuable draft capital.
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Despite the rumors, Taylor made it clear Thursday that he remains proud to represent the Colts franchise and isn't focused on things outside of his control.
"I haven't heard anything, and I can't control that. Obviously, you guys know, I'm always proud to wear the horseshoe," Taylor said. "Obviously, circumstances may cause otherwise. Hopefully, that day may not come, but I can't control that."
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Taylor has once again been one of the NFL's best running backs this season, recording 587 rushing yards (fifth-most) and eight touchdowns through seven games, along with 178 receiving yards. Last season with the Colts, he rushed for 1,585 yards and a league-leading 18 touchdowns.
Taylor is still just 27 years old, the face of the franchise, and one of the most productive running backs in the NFL. Trading away a player like that would be a bold move, but the Colts have plenty of reasons to consider it. They're three games below .500, have already fired their GM, and just traded away two other cornerstone pieces. Indianapolis also still doesn't have a first-round pick in 2027 after trading for star cornerback Sauce Gardner last season.
The Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and Minnesota Vikings have all been linked to Taylor as potential landing spots.
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Taylor signed a two-year, $44 million extension with the Colts in August, so the team also has a financial reason to keep him as a central part of their plans, especially because it's not easy to find an elite, durable running back that can win you ball games. He's firmly in his prime, and building a new roster around him would make sense as well.
That said, trading Nelson, their best offensive lineman, is a telling sign. Not only was he critical to the run game with Taylor, but the move also shows that loyalty and past contributions won't necessarily protect a player from being dealt. The Colts have insisted they want to keep Taylor, but that doesn't guarantee they won't still trade him if the right offer comes their way.
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